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Trekstor SurfTab duo W3 Convertible Review

Low-cost convertible. Approximately 230 to 250 Euros (~$245 to ~$267) have to be ponied up for Trekstor's 11.6-inch convertible. The buyer gets a device with a Cherry Trail processor and viewing-angle stable Full HD IPS panel. The device shows weaknesses in battery life, though.

For the original German review, see here.

Trekstor's SurfTab duo W3 is an 11.6-inch convertible - to be more precise it is a member of the detachable subcategory, i.e. a convertible with a detachable display. Or seen the other way around: a tablet with connectable keyboard. An Atom processor from the Cherry Trail generation operates inside the device. The convertible finds rivals in devices like Medion's Akoya E2215T, Lenovo's IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR, and HP's x360 310 G1.

Trekstor SurfTab duo W3 (Surftab Series)
Processor
Intel Atom x5-Z8300 4 x 1.4 - 1.8 GHz, Cherry Trail
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Core: 500 MHz, single-channel, 20.19.15.4474
Memory
2048 MB 
, DDR3-1600, single-channel, soldered memory
Display
11.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 190 PPI, capacitive, 10 touch points, Active Stylus support, Chi Mei N116HSE-DA2, IPS, glossy: yes, detachable screen
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
, 17.6 GB free
Connections
3 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: micro-SD, Sensors: accelerometer
Networking
Realtek RTL8723BS (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 19.5 x 299 x 188 ( = 0.77 x 11.77 x 7.4 in)
Battery
8.2 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 2 MPix
Secondary Camera: 2 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, adapter (micro-USB 3.0-to-Type-A slot), McAfee LiveSafe - Internet Security (trial), MS Office 365 (trial), 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
1.46 kg ( = 51.5 oz / 3.22 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
249 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case and Connectivity

The relatively low purchase price does not involve forsaking high-quality materials. The tablet part's back and the keyboard dock's upper side are made of aluminum. The other components are made from plastic. The convertible's build is not conspicuous. Its build is solid, and the device does not exhibit any weaknesses in terms of stability.

The interface diversity has to be criticized here. Trekstor installs one micro-USB 2.0 and one micro-USB 3.0 into the tablet. The USB charger is connected to the first. The second port is intended for connecting USB devices. Trekstor includes an adapter (micro-USB 3.0-to-Type A slot). We deem both micro-USB ports as illogical. Trekstor should have installed Type-C USB ports to begin with. This would have led to the same result and the tablet would have been future-proof at least in this regard.

Trekstor's USB 3.0 solution is not convincing, either. A stable connection cannot be set up between the included adapter and micro-USB 3.0 port. The slightest movement or touching the adapter could interrupt the convertible's contact to the connected device - for example, a USB hard drive.

Trekstor furnishes the SurfTab with the 32-bit version of Windows 10 Home. This version is easier on resources and is therefore often used in low-performance devices. Thus, no 64-bit applications can be executed. This is not a problem as almost every application has a 32-bit version.

Size Comparison

308 mm / 12.1 inch 215 mm / 8.46 inch 21 mm / 0.827 inch 1.5 kg3.24 lbs299 mm / 11.8 inch 188 mm / 7.4 inch 19.5 mm / 0.768 inch 1.5 kg3.22 lbs278 mm / 10.9 inch 199 mm / 7.83 inch 18.3 mm / 0.72 inch 1.1 kg2.43 lbs264 mm / 10.4 inch 182 mm / 7.17 inch 19.84 mm / 0.781 inch 1.2 kg2.65 lbs262 mm / 10.3 inch 188 mm / 7.4 inch 19.2 mm / 0.756 inch 1.2 kg2.65 lbs246 mm / 9.69 inch 173 mm / 6.81 inch 18.2 mm / 0.717 inch 1.1 kg2.43 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Input Devices

The keyboard dock provides an unlit chiclet keyboard. The flat, lightly roughened keys have a short drop and defined pressure point. The keys' resistance is satisfactory. The keyboard at most yields marginally when typing on it. This was not annoying. The dock's metal upper side apparently pays off here. In total, Trekstor delivers a surprisingly decent keyboard. Even a small, multi-touch ClickPad has found a place in the keyboard dock (approx. 8.2 x 4.6 cm). The pad's sleek surface does not stop the fingers from gliding over it. It has a short drop and clear pressure point.

The touchscreen supports 10 touch points. We did not experience any problems with it, and it responded instantaneously to inputs. It can be used with fingers and with an active stylus. We successfully tested the latter with a stylus by Hama.

Input devices
Input devices

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The SurfTab's 11.6-inch touchscreen has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The panel offers a good contrast (1028:1) alongside an only poor brightness (235.2 cd/m²). Good: The screen never displayed PWM-flickering.

228
cd/m²
246
cd/m²
235
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
257
cd/m²
242
cd/m²
206
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
243
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Chi Mei N116HSE-DA2 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 257 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 235.2 cd/m² Minimum: 22.8 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 80 %
Center on Battery: 212 cd/m²
Contrast: 1028:1 (Black: 0.25 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 7.98 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 7.87 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
84% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
55% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61.3% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
83.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
63% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.3
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
IPS, 1920x1080, 11.60
Medion Akoya E2215T
IPS, 1920x1080, 11.60
HP x360 310 G1
TN, 1366x768, 11.60
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
IPS, 1280x800, 10.10
HP x2 210 G1
IPS, 1280x800, 10.10
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
IPS, 1280x800, 10.10
Display
-19%
-37%
-13%
-28%
-14%
Display P3 Coverage
63
48.12
-24%
37.47
-41%
52.5
-17%
42.77
-32%
51.1
-19%
sRGB Coverage
83.9
71.7
-15%
56.4
-33%
76.3
-9%
63.7
-24%
75.2
-10%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
61.3
49.78
-19%
38.71
-37%
54.1
-12%
44.22
-28%
52.7
-14%
Response Times
-7%
-21%
-2%
-21%
-5%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
37 ?(16, 21)
31 ?(13, 18)
16%
43 ?(20, 23)
-16%
29 ?(8, 21)
22%
43 ?(21, 22)
-16%
31.6 ?(13.6, 18)
15%
Response Time Black / White *
20 ?(6, 14)
26 ?(6, 20)
-30%
25 ?(7, 18)
-25%
25 ?(9, 16)
-25%
25 ?(10, 15)
-25%
24.8 ?(6, 28.8)
-24%
PWM Frequency
50 ?(20)
396 ?(90)
877 ?(90)
50 ?(60)
69.4
Screen
9%
-59%
16%
8%
-4%
Brightness middle
257
338
32%
199
-23%
270
5%
313
22%
251.9
-2%
Brightness
235
309
31%
186
-21%
239
2%
295
26%
233
-1%
Brightness Distribution
80
76
-5%
76
-5%
82
3%
84
5%
83
4%
Black Level *
0.25
0.39
-56%
0.8
-220%
0.21
16%
0.21
16%
0.348
-39%
Contrast
1028
867
-16%
249
-76%
1286
25%
1490
45%
724
-30%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
7.98
3.94
51%
11.92
-49%
3.01
62%
6.79
15%
6.35
20%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
12.25
9.96
19%
20.52
-68%
4.63
62%
14.11
-15%
11.15
9%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
7.87
2.54
68%
12.92
-64%
7.66
3%
6.78
14%
7.09
10%
Gamma
2.3 96%
2.38 92%
2.04 108%
1.45 152%
2.26 97%
2.02 109%
CCT
8815 74%
6902 94%
13589 48%
6665 98%
6708 97%
8590 76%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
55
46
-16%
36
-35%
49
-11%
41
-25%
52.69
-4%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
84
71
-15%
56
-33%
76
-10%
63
-25%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-6% / 1%
-39% / -50%
0% / 8%
-14% / -3%
-8% / -6%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The panel has a DeltaE 2000 color shift of 7.98 in delivery state. A rate less than 3 would be desirable. The screen exhibits a slight bluish tint.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
20 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 6 ms rise
↘ 14 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 37 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
37 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 16 ms rise
↘ 21 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 47 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Trekstor furnishes the SurfTab with a viewing-angle stable IPS panel. Thus, the screen is legible from every position. The convertible is not really outdoor-suitable. The panel's reflective surface and low brightness are noticed here. The latter is even a bit lower in battery mode than in AC mode.

The SurfTab outdoors (taken under completely overcast skies)
The SurfTab outdoors (taken under completely overcast skies)

Performance

Trekstor's SurfTab duo W3 is an 11.6-inch convertible that is suitable for working with simple office and Internet applications. The device is currently priced at approximately 230 to 250 Euros (~$245 to ~$267). Other configurations do not exist.

Processor

Intel's Atom (Cherry Trail) quad-core processor is inside the device. The CPU is designed for simple office and Internet applications. Thanks to its low TDP (less than 4 watts), the SoC can be cooled passively, and this is also implemented. The Atom clocks at a base speed of 1.44 GHz, which can be boosted up to 1.84 GHz via Turbo. Turbo is utilized in both AC and battery modes. The multithread tests that we performed were performed at 1.6 GHz, and the single-thread tests at 1.6 to 1.84 GHz.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
951
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
2966
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
1962
Help
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
3130 Points +6%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
2966 Points
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
2897 Points -2%
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
2575 Points -13%
HP x2 210 G1
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
2135 Points -28%
Rendering Single 32Bit
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
999 Points +5%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
951 Points
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
938 Points -1%
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
884 Points -7%
HP x2 210 G1
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
855 Points -10%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
796 Points +7%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
743 Points
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
726 Points -2%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
2332 Points +7%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
2175 Points
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
2130 Points -2%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score
HP x2 210 G1
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
517 ms * -5%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
493.3 ms *
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
45.77 Points +10%
HP x2 210 G1
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
44.02 Points +6%
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
42.55 Points +2%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
41.59 Points
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
6122 ms * -6%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
5758 ms *
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
5509 ms * +4%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
7142 Points +12%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel Atom x5-Z8300
6382 Points
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
6343 Points -1%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The convertible does the jobs that it has been made for smoothly. The computing power of the installed SoC suffices for basic office and Internet applications. The SoC's low performance is evident when opening websites that are loaded with advertisements. The convertible needs a while here. A look at our comparison chart shows that the SurfTab and Medion's Akoya E2215T clearly lag behind the competition. However, it would be wrong to assume that the processors in the devices clock at a much lower speed. Both devices are furnished with the 32-bit version of Windows 10. The other convertibles come with the 64-bit version. The outcomes reflect this.

PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
1246 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1520 Points +22%
HP x360 310 G1
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), N3540, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
1445 Points +16%
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1419 Points +14%
HP x2 210 G1
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1391 Points +12%
Medion Akoya E2215T
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1282 Points +3%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8300, 32 GB eMMC Flash
1246 Points

Storage Device

An eMMC module with a capacity of 32 GB is installed for storing data. Roughly 18 GB can be used freely. The storage device's transfer rates are on a normal level for an eMMC storage device. The storage capacity can be expanded via a micro-SD card.

32 GB eMMC Flash
Sequential Read: 142.8 MB/s
Sequential Write: 44.24 MB/s
512K Read: 125.4 MB/s
512K Write: 16.9 MB/s
4K Read: 7.82 MB/s
4K Write: 1.423 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 11.04 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 1.435 MB/s
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
32 GB eMMC Flash
Medion Akoya E2215T
64 GB eMMC Flash
HP x360 310 G1
Toshiba MQ01ABF050
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
64 GB eMMC Flash
HP x2 210 G1
64 GB eMMC Flash
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
64 GB eMMC Flash
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
157%
-25%
475%
241%
266%
Read Seq
142.8
169.6
19%
99.5
-30%
153.9
8%
134.1
-6%
151.9
6%
Write Seq
44.24
39.77
-10%
102.9
133%
101.1
129%
66.1
49%
87.3
97%
Read 512
125.4
155.3
24%
34.45
-73%
136.2
9%
112.9
-10%
144.5
15%
Write 512
16.9
27.45
62%
42.7
153%
91.5
441%
57.7
241%
58
243%
Read 4k
7.82
13.09
67%
0.439
-94%
12.58
61%
15.79
102%
9.35
20%
Write 4k
1.423
7.915
456%
0.013
-99%
12.38
770%
10.06
607%
12.26
762%
Read 4k QD32
11.04
15.11
37%
0.851
-92%
23.81
116%
35.31
220%
29
163%
Write 4k QD32
1.435
10.05
600%
0.033
-98%
33.93
2264%
11.84
725%
13.18
818%

Graphics Card

Intel's HD Graphics from the Cherry Trail generation is responsible for video output. It supports DirectX 12 and clocks at speeds of up to 500 MHz. The 3DMark benchmark outcomes range on a normal level for this GPU.

3DMark 11 Performance
322 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Intel Atom x5-Z8350
358 Points +22%
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Intel Atom x5-Z8350
298 Points +2%
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Intel Atom x5-Z8350
297 Points +1%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Intel Atom x5-Z8300
293 Points
HP x2 210 G1
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Intel Atom x5-Z8300
291 Points -1%
HP x360 310 G1
Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Intel Pentium N3540
221 Points -25%

Gaming Performance

The SurfTab's hardware is much too weak for games like FIFA 17. However, many casual games that can be played on the convertible are found in the Windows Store.

low med. high ultra
Trackmania Nations Forever (2008) 92.6 21.3 9.6

Emissions and Energy Management

System Noise

The convertible is cooled passively, and thus there is no noise-making fan. However, the tablet part occasionally produces an electronic sizzling noise.

Temperature

The SurfTab in the stress test
The SurfTab in the stress test

The convertible performed our stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour) in the same manner in AC and battery modes. The processor clocks at 480 GHz. The graphics unit starts at 400 MHz at the beginning of the test and throttles its speed to 200 MHz after five minutes. The device does not get excessively hot. The temperatures remained below 40 °C on all measuring points during the stress test.

Max. Load
 22.6 °C
73 F
31 °C
88 F
26.6 °C
80 F
 
 37.6 °C
100 F
29.6 °C
85 F
26.9 °C
80 F
 
 31.6 °C
89 F
31.2 °C
88 F
28.1 °C
83 F
 
Maximum: 37.6 °C = 100 F
Average: 29.5 °C = 85 F
27.7 °C
82 F
33.1 °C
92 F
37.8 °C
100 F
28 °C
82 F
31.6 °C
89 F
36.1 °C
97 F
28.1 °C
83 F
30.8 °C
87 F
32.1 °C
90 F
Maximum: 37.8 °C = 100 F
Average: 31.7 °C = 89 F
Power Supply (max.)  54 °C = 129 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 29.5 °C / 85 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.6 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 37.8 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.6 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.6 °C / 88.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (-3.5 °C / -6.3 F).
Temperature development front (load)
Temperature development front (load)
Temperature development rear (load)
Temperature development rear (load)
Temperature development front (idle)
Temperature development front (idle)
Temperature development rear (idle)
Temperature development rear (idle)

Speakers

The stereo speakers are situated on the tablet part's left. They produce a thin sound that hardly reproduces any bass. Headphones or external speakers have to be connected for a better sound experience.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2037.434.237.42539.541.239.53145.943.345.94039.136.539.15045.835.645.86329.228.829.28027.227.827.210028.526.428.512529.625.629.616030.223.830.220030.923.630.925028.822.328.83152821.42840034.420.734.450042.620.342.663054.71954.780062.918.662.9100064.718.164.7125061.917.961.9160064.817.864.8200059.917.659.9250059.417.659.4315060.718.160.7400067.818.167.8500074.918.374.9630078.618.578.6800072.718.472.71000064.418.564.41250065.418.365.41600062.718.362.7SPL82.130.682.1N43.21.543.2median 60.7median 18.5median 60.7Delta11.41.911.435.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseTrekstor SurfTab duo W3Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (78 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 31.3% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (2.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 7.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (14.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 8% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (11.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (33.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 92% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 6% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 91% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 8% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency diagram in comparison (checkboxes above can be turned on/off)

Power Consumption

No irregularities were discovered in terms of power consumption. The energy requirement was on a normal level for this hardware platform over the entire load range. The USB charger has a nominal output of 10 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.7 / 2.8 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2 / 2.2 / 2.7 Watt
Load midlight 8.5 / 8.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

Our practical Wi-Fi test simulates the load needed for opening websites. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, the energy-saving features are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The SurfTab achieves a runtime of 4:54 hours - a poor outcome. We expect a minimum runtime of 7 to 8 hours from a device like the SurfTab.

The short runtime is due to the battery. It has a capacity of just 8.2 Wh. The competition has three to four times as much. The battery needs almost 5 hours to be recharged from 0 to 100% when the device is shut down. It does not supply the convertible with power, i.e. as soon as the battery is recharged the device begins to discharge again. The battery is depleted to 95% after approximately 30 minutes (idle, maximum screen brightness). It recharges when the charger is still connected.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 38)
4h 54min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
HP x360 310 G1
N3540, HD Graphics (Bay Trail), 30 Wh
684 min +133%
Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX 310-10ICR
Z8350, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 33 Wh
643 min +119%
HP x2 210 G1
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 33 Wh
550 min +87%
Acer Switch V 10 SW5-017-196Q
Z8350, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 28.2 Wh
493 min +68%
Medion Akoya E2215T
Z8350, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 38 Wh
474 min +61%
Trekstor SurfTab duo W3
Z8300, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 8.2 Wh
294 min

Pros

+ IPS panel
+ Full HD resolution
+ noiseless
+ low temperature development
+ decent keyboard

Cons

- poor battery life
- no Type-C USB
- inferior-quality micro-USB 3.0 port

Verdict

In review: Trekstor SurfTab duo W3. Test model courtesy of Trekstor Germany
In review: Trekstor SurfTab duo W3. Test model courtesy of Trekstor Germany

Trekstor's SurfTab duo W3 is an 11.6-inch Windows convertible that is made for basic office and Internet applications. The device hardly heats up and runs noiselessly. However, an electronic sizzling noise from inside is sometimes audible. The device does not have an excessive amount of storage capacity. 17.6 GB of the 32 GB storage can be used. However, only a maximum of 7 GB should be used as Windows 10 needs 10 GB of free storage for big system updates. Thus, inserting a micro-SD card is recommendable.

The keyboard dock makes an overall decent impression. The keyboard is even suitable for more frequent typing sessions. Trekstor might have an affordable typewriter and browsing machine for pupils and students in its lineup here. Unfortunately, the SurfTab displays weakness in a crucial section: the battery life. The convertible only achieves a runtime of just below 5 hours in our Wi-Fi test - that is too short for a day at school or university. On the other hand, the screen pleases with stable viewing angles and good contrast, but the brightness is too low. 

An affordable 11.6-inch convertible for home use is available with Trekstor's SurfTab duo W3.

However, Trekstor allows itself to make missteps that should not occur even at this low price. First to be mentioned is the unreliable micro-USB 3.0 port that cannot ensure a stable connection. The manufacturer should have relied on Type-C USB right from the outset. Trekstor would have to include an adapter in any case. Furthermore, recharging the battery takes too long.

Trekstor SurfTab duo W3 - 01/27/2017 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
76 / 98 → 77%
Keyboard
74%
Pointing Device
87%
Connectivity
34 / 80 → 43%
Weight
70 / 35-78 → 80%
Battery
81%
Display
79%
Games Performance
29 / 68 → 43%
Application Performance
41 / 87 → 47%
Temperature
93%
Noise
100%
Audio
44 / 91 → 48%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
65%
76%
Convertible - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Trekstor SurfTab duo W3 Convertible Review
Sascha Mölck, 2017-01-29 (Update: 2018-05-15)